Road signs in the United States

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Map showing state adoption of the 2003 MUTCD.

In the United States, road signs are, for the most part, standardized by federal regulations, most notably in the Manual on Uniform Traffic Control Devices (MUTCD) and its companion volume the Standard Highway Signs (SHS).

Twenty-three states along with the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico use the manual without any alterations, 20 states have adopted it in conjunction with a supplemental volume, and 7 states have a state version in substantial conformance to the MUTCD.^[1] There are also localized versions that are used in large cities such as New York City which use a naming system compatible with the MUTCD and/or state supplement. The MUTCD and SHS establish seven general categories of signs for road and highway use^[2] (all signs from national MUTCD, unless noted):

[edit] Regulatory

Regulatory signs give instructions to motorists, pedestrians and cyclists. Signs such as stop, no parking, no turns and yield are considered regulatory signs. Some have special shapes, such as the octagon for the stop sign and the X shape for railroad crossings. Some signs can be localized, such as no parking and some are only found in state and local jurisdictions as they are based on state or local laws, such as New York City's "Don't Block the Box" signs. These signs are in the R series of signs in the MUTCD and typically in the R series in most state supplements or state MUTCDs.

[edit] R1 Series: Stop and Yield

The MUTCD's R1 series of signs is for stop and yield signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Stop and Yield Signs
Stop
Stop, Puerto Rico.
Yield (Give Way)
All way plate.
Yield to pedestrians,
New York City.
State law Yield for pedestrians in crosswalk.
State law stop for pedestrians in crosswalk.
DC law stop for pedestrians in crosswalk, Washington, DC.
State law stop for pedestrians in crosswalk, Maryland.

[edit] R2 Series: Speed Limit

The MUTCD's R2 series of signs is for speed limit signs. Some state supplements and state MUTCDs place various speed limit signs in other series. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Speed Limit Signs
Speed limit (miles per hour)
Speed limit, metric (rarely seen).
Night speed limit.
Town speed limit, New York state.
Bridge speed, Minnesota.
35 speed limit zone ahead sign, California.
End 35 mph speed limit, New York.
End 50 mph speed limit, Delaware.
Minimum speed limit.

[edit] R3 Series: Lane Usage and Turns

The MUTCD's R3 series of signs is for lane usage and turn signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Lane Usage and Turns Signs
Turn only lanes.
No right turn.
No left turn.
No U turn.
Right turn only, Delaware.
No u-turn - left turn on green arrow California.
Bike lane.
Bike lane, bikes only, New York City.
HOV 2+ only 2 or more persons per vehicle.

[edit] R4 Series: Regulation of Movement

The MUTCD's R4 series of signs is for the regulation of movement signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Regulation of Movement Signs
Do not pass.
Keep right except to pass, Indiana and Texas.
Keep right.

[edit] R5 Series: Exclusionary

The MUTCD's R5 series of signs is for exclusionary signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The most common of these signs is the do not enter sign.

Exclusionary Signs
Do not enter.
Bicycle wrong way.
Bike path, no automobiles, New York City.
No large trucks.
No bicycles.

[edit] R6 Series: One Way and Divided Highway

The MUTCD's R6 series of signs is for one way and divided highway signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The most common of these signs is the one way sign.

One Way and Divided Highway
One way.
Transito (one way), Puerto Rico.
One way
Divided Highway.

[edit] R7 Series: Parking

The MUTCD allows for three types of parking signs, permissive, no parking, and no standing. However, in most states, there is an additional more restrictive one, no stopping. These signs are found in the R7 series of signs in the MUTCD. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] Permissive Parking

These types of signs allow for parking for either an unlimited or varied amount of time. These types are often used in conjunction with parking meters and parking permits. These signs are specified by the MUTCD to be green on white. Local variations do occur with additional information and slightly different designs.

Permissive Parking
Parking with time restrictions.
Parking with time restrictions, California.
Parking with time restrictions, New York City.
Parking with time and permit restrictions, Seattle.
Parking with time and permit restrictions, San Francisco.
2 hour parking all roads Town of Hempstead, New York State.
Parking with time restrictions, Maryland.

[edit] No Parking

No parking signs indicate that loading or unloading there while temporarily stopped is permitted, but parking is not.^[3] Some no parking signs display time restrictions, while others are permanent restrictions. There are also temporary versions of the signs, often of similar design to the permanent ones. These signs are specified by the MUTCD to be red on white, although local variations do occur.

No Parking
No parking.
No parking, California.
No parking, New York.
No parking, Pennsylvania.
No parking with restrictions and localized, New York City.
Don't even think of parking here, New York City.
No parking tow zone, Chicago.
No parking bus stop.

[edit] No Standing

No standing signs indicate that stopping temporarily to load or unload passengers is allowed, while parking is not allowed.^[3] As with no parking signs, some restrictions displayed on the signs are permanent and some are time based. The signs are also specified by the MUTCD to be red on white, but local variations exist.

No Standing
No standing any time.
No standing any time, New York State.
No standing any time, New York City.
No standing cars towed away, Baltimore.
No standing bus stop, Philadelphia.
No standing, bus stop with bus route, New York City.
No standing with time restrictions, Washington, DC.
No standing with time restrictions, New York City.

[edit] No Stopping

No stopping signs indicate that stopping is only allowed in order to obey a traffic sign, signal, traffic agent, police officer, or to avoid conflicts with other vehicles.^[3] These are the most restrictive of the parking signs. They are typically red on white.

No Stopping
No stopping any time, New York State.
No stopping any time, New York City.
No stopping any time, Philadelphia.
No stopping any time, California.
No stopping anytime tow away, San Francisco.
No stops tow away zone, Seattle.
No stopping with time restrictions, New York State.
No standing except delivery trucks time restricted, New York City.

[edit] R8 Series: Parking and Emergency Restrictions

The MUTCD's R8 series of signs is for parking restriction and emergency restriction signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Parking and Emergency Restrictions
No parking on pavement.
No parking.

[edit] R9 Series: Bicycles and Pedestrians

The MUTCD's R9 series of signs is for bicycle and pedestrian signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Bicycle and Pedestrian Signs
Walk on left facing traffic.
Cross only at cross walks.
No pedestrian crossing.
No hitch hiking.
Crosswalk signal instructions.
Bicycles left pedestrians right.
State law stop for stopped school bus, New York.

[edit] R10 Series: Traffic Signal

The MUTCD's R10 series of signs is for traffic signal related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Traffic Signal Signs
Turning vehicles yield to pedestrians.
Traffic signal photo enforced, Delaware.
Traffic signal photo enforced, California.
Red light photo violation fine sign, California
Stop here on red, Pennsylvania.
No turn on red arrow, Maryland.
Bicycles to request green wait on line.

[edit] R11 Series: Road Closed

The MUTCD's R11 series of signs is for road closure related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Road Closed Signs
Road Closed
Road Closed Ahead
Bridge Out Ahead

[edit] R12 Series: Weight Limits

The MUTCD's R12 series of signs is for weight limit related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Weight Limits Signs
Weight limit.

[edit] R13 Series: Weight Stations

The MUTCD's R13 series of signs is for weight station related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] R14 Series: Truck Routes

The MUTCD's R14 series of signs is for truck route related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] R15 Series: Rail and Light Rail

The MUTCD's R15 series of signs is for rail and light rail related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Rail and Light Rail Signs
Railroad crossing.
Railroad.

[edit] R16 Series: Seat Belts

The MUTCD's R16 series of signs is for seat belt related signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] Other Local and State Series

The MUTCD does not cover all situations, so states and local governments have developed their own regulatory signs. In these, the sign categories are assigned series either using the MUTCD style, but higher than 16 (as done in Texas), or use a unique series nomenclature system (as done in California).

Other Local and State Series Signs
Obey warning signs state law, Texas.
Don't block the box, New York City.
State law stop for stopped school bus, New York.
Speed enforced by aircraft sign, California.

[edit] Schools

The S series of signs is specially designated by the MUTCD for use around schools. Some states have additional school warning related signs in the S series as well as in the W series of warning signs and/or the R series of regulatory signs of the state supplement or state MUTCD.

Schools
School (also used for pedestrian crosswalk near schools).
School, alternate.
School speed limit ahead.
School speed limit when flashing.
School zone speed limit sign, Arizona.
End school zone.
School bus stop ahead.
School bus turn ahead sign, Ohio.

[edit] Warning

Warning signs are found in the W series of the national MUTCD. They highlight existing conditions, such as a curve, school, dead end street, or traffic signal. They can also warn possible danger such as bumps, bicycles, low flying aircraft or emergency vehicles. These signs are either yellow or fluorescent yellow in color and with the exception of a few signs are usually diamond shaped and sometimes have square or rectangular smaller signs or plaques associated with them. Most W series signs can also be found in with orange backgrounds, for temporary use in situations such as construction zones. Some of the temporary use signs are only for use in temporary situations.

[edit] W1 Series: Curves and Turns

The MUTCD's W1 series of signs is for warning signs relating to curves and turns. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Curves and Turns
Turn (left).
Turn (right).
Curve.
Curve with speed advisory.
Reverse turn.
Reverse curve.
Winding road.
Winding road.
Hairpin curve.
Trucks rollover warning.
Trucks rollover warning with speed advisory, Maryland.
270 degree loop.
Pretzel loop, Wisconsin
One direction large arrow.
Chevron alignment.
Horizontal alignment

[edit] W2 Series: Intersections

The MUTCD's W2 series of signs is for warning signs relating to intersections including traffic circles. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Intersections
Cross roads.
Side road at a perpendicular angle.
Side road at an acute angle.
T roads.
Y roads.
Offset roads.
Circular intersection (Traffic circle or Roundabout)
Traffic circle, alternate.

[edit] W3 Series: Advance Traffic Control

The MUTCD's W3 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance traffic controls such as speed limits and signals. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.

Advance Traffic Control
Stop ahead.
Yield ahead.
Traffic signal ahead.
New signal ahead, Michigan.
Be prepared to stop.
Speed zone ahead.

[edit] W4 Series: Lanes and Merges

The MUTCD's W4 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance traffic controls such as speed limits and signals. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Lanes and Merges
Merge.
Right lane ends or road narrows.
Added lane.
Merging traffic.
Added lane (from entering roadway).
Thru traffic merge left, California.
One lane road or road narrows, New York State.
Single lane, New York State.

[edit] W5 Series: Road Width Restrictions

The MUTCD's W5 series of signs is for warning signs relating to road width restrictons. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.

Road Width Restrictions
Narrow Bridge.
One lane bridge.
Narrow winding road, Forest Service USDA.
Bikeway narrows.

[edit] W6 Series: Divided Highways

The MUTCD's W6 series of signs is for warning signs relating to divided highways. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD. The MUTCD provides options for graphic and text signs.

Divided Highways
Divided highway.
Divided highway.
Divided road.
Pass left or right sign, New York State.

[edit] W7 Series: Hills and Grades

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W7 series dealing with hills and grades. Several states have additional signs for other types of situations not covered by the MUTCD.

Hills and Grades
Steep grade/hill.
Hill.
Steep grade/hill percentage.
Steep grade percentage sign, Idaho.
Watch downhill speed, California.

[edit] W8 Series: Pavement and Roadway Conditions

The MUTCD's W8 series of signs is for warning signs relating to pavement and roadway conditions. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Pavement and Roadway Conditions
Rough road.
Bump.
Bumps, Minnesota and North Dakota.
Rumble strips, New York State.
Dip.
Slippery when wet.
Bicycle slippery when wet.
Bridge may be slippery, Pennsylvania.

Rocks and Mud
Falling rocks, California.
Fallen rock, New York State
Falling rocks, Pennsylvania and Hawaii.
Falling rock, North Carolina.
Watch for rock, Idaho.
Rock slide area, California.
Slides, New York State.
Slide area, California.

Wind, Fog, and Storms
Crosswinds, New York State.
Dangerous crosswinds, New Mexico.
High cross winds, Pennsylvania.
Frequent high winds, Idaho.
Gusty winds, Wisconsin.
Fog area, Ohio.
Occasional blinding dust storms sign, Idaho.
Severe storm area, Idaho.

Ice and Frost
Bridge ices before road.
Bridge may be icy, Michigan.
Watch for ice on bridges, Indiana and Texas (as Watch for ice on bridge).
Watch for ice, Pennsylvania.
May be icy, Nebraska.
Icy, California.
Frost heaves, Idaho.

Flooding and Water Conditions
Flooded, California.
Subject to flooding, California.
Roadway subject to flooding, Pennsylvania.
Road floods during high tide, Hawaii.
High water, Indiana.
Water on road, Delaware.

[edit] W9 Series: Lane Transitions

The MUTCD's W9 series of signs is for warning signs relating to lane transitions. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Lane Transitions
Right lane ends warning sign.
Lane ends merge right warning sign.
Left lane ends, Maryland.

[edit] W10 Series: Rail and Light Rail

The MUTCD's W10 series of signs is for warning signs relating to rail and light rail. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Rail and Light Rail
Railroad.
Skewed railroad crossing.
Light rail crossing, California.
Light rail crossing, California.
Low ground clearance railroad crossing.
Trains may exceed 80 mph.
Cyclists Dismount To Cross Railroad Tracks, Hemet, California

[edit] W11 Series: Advance Warnings and Crossings

The MUTCD's W11 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advance warnings and crossings. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] Emergency Vehicles

The MUTCD only provides for a warning of fire stations in the W11 series. Most states have their own signs for other emergency vehicle types which may enter the road.

Emergency Vehicles
Fire Station.
Fire trucks entering when signal flashes sign, Wisconsin.
Emergency Vehicles sign, Delaware.
Texas Emergency Vehicles sign, Texas.

[edit] Children

The MUTCD specifies no children related signs in the W11 series. Several states, counties and municipalities have signs for situations as children at play as well as children with various medical conditions. Some of these signs vary from state to state as there is no federal standard.

Children
Children at play, New York State.
Deaf child area, New York State.
Deaf child, Delaware.
Hearing impaired child, Pennsylvania.
Deaf children near, California.
Blind child area sign, New York State.
Blind child, Delaware.
Autistic child, Ocean County, New Jersey

[edit] Bicycles

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series warning of bicycles and for signing bicycle facilities. Several states and localities have their own specific bicycle related signs as well.

Bicycles
Bicycles.
Share the road, New York City.
Share the road, Pennsylvania.
Watch for bikes, Maryland.
Share the road, Maryland
Bike Lane, San Francisco.

[edit] Vehicles

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with vehicles. Several states have additional signs for other types of vehicles and situations regarding vehicles not covered by the MUTCD.

Vehicles
Tractor/farm vehicle crossing.
Motorcycle crossing, New York State.
ATV crossing, New York State.
Golf cart crossing, Ohio and other U.S. states.
Horse drawn vehicle ahead, Ohio and other U.S. states.
Tank crossing, Pennsylvania.
Truck crossing.
Watch for stopped trucks, Illinois.

[edit] Pedestrians, Transit, and Aviation

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with pedestrians, transit, and aviation. Several states have additional signs for other types of vehicles and situations regarding vehicles not covered by the MUTCD.

Pedestrians, Rail and Aviation
Pedestrians or pedestrian crossing.
Blind pedestrian crossing, Pennsylvania.
Ferry crossing, Missouri.
Balloon launch area, Pennsylvania.
Low flying planes, New York.
Low flying aircraft, Delaware.
Low flying airplanes cross here sign, Wisconsin.

[edit] Animals

The MUTCD provides several signs in the W11 series dealing with animals. Several states have additional signs for other types of animals not covered by the MUTCD.

Animals
Migrating bears, California
Duck crossing (Pennsylvania style)
Cattle crossing
Deer crossing

[edit] Driveways and Entrances

The MUTCD does not provide signs in the W11 series dealing with driveways and entrances. Many states have their own sign standards dealing with these situations that they place in their own W11 series.

Driveways and Entrances
Hidden driveway, Pennsylvania.
Truck entrance, Delaware.
Plant entrance, Delaware.
Theatre exit sign, Wisconsin.
Hidden intersection, Delaware.

[edit] W12 Series: Low Clearances

The MUTCD's W12 series of signs is for warning signs relating to low clearances. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Low Clearances
Low clearance.
Metric low clearance.
Clearance.

[edit] W13 Series: Advisory Speeds

The MUTCD's W13 series of signs is for warning signs relating to advisory speeds. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Advisory Speeds
Speed advisory.
Speed advisory warning sign, metric.
Exit speed advisory warning sign.
Turn curve exit speed advisory sign, Maryland.
Ramp speed advisory warning sign.
Curve speed advisory warning sign.

[edit] W14 Series: Dead End Streets and No Passing Zones

The MUTCD's W14 series of signs is for warning signs relating to dead end streets and no passing zones. As all situations are not covered, several states and local governments have additional signs for other types of situations not covered by the MUTCD.

Dead End and Limited Access Streets
Loop street, Pennsylvania.
No thru street, Pennsylvania.
No Outlet sign.
Dead End sign.
Dead End sign, New York City.
End sign, New York City.
Road ends, Missouri.
No passing zone.

[edit] W15 Series: Playgrounds

The MUTCD's W15 series of signs is for warning signs relating to playgrounds. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Playgrounds
Playground.

[edit] W16 Series: Supplemental Plaques

The MUTCD's W16 series of signs is for supplemental plaques for warning signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Supplemental Plaques
Steep hill plaque, Delaware.
Fire house (used in conjunction with graphic fire station sign), New York State.

[edit] W17 Series: Speed Humps

The MUTCD's W17 series of signs is for warning signs relating to speed humps. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Speed Humps
Speed Hump

[edit] W18 Series: No Traffic Signs

The MUTCD's W18 series of signs is for warning signs relating to the lack of traffic signs. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

No Traffic Signs
No Traffic Signs

[edit] W19 Series

The MUTCD does not have a W19 series of signs.

[edit] W20 Series: Work Zones

The MUTCD's W20 series of signs is for warning signs relating to work zones. These signs are typically orange background ones used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

Work Zone Signs
Road work ahead

[edit] W21 Series

The MUTCD does not have a W21 series.

[edit] W22 Series: Blasting Zones

The MUTCD's W22 series of signs is for warning signs relating to blasting zones. These signs are typically orange background ones used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] W23 Series: Slow Traffic

The MUTCD's W23 series of signs is for warning signs relating to slow traffic. These signs are typically orange background ones used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] W24 Series: Double Reverse Curves

The MUTCD's W24 series of signs is for warning signs relating to Double Reverse Curves. These signs are typically orange background ones used for temporary situations. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] W25 Series: Oncoming Traffic Has Extended Green

The MUTCD's W25 series of signs is for warning signs oncoming traffic having an extended green signal at a traffic light. As all situations are not covered, several states have their own standards in addition to the MUTCD.

[edit] Miscellaneous

The MUTCD does not provide signs dealing with some other road and highway situations. Many states have their own sign standards dealing with these situations.